Tonight's post is not about me but rather the people who have helped me get to where I am today. One of the most truthful quotes I have heard recently has been "I don't think anything is scarier than taking the first step that could define the rest of your life" and this is certainly true for me. Moving across the country was huge step in my life and without my support system, my transition could not have been this seamless.
First and foremost I have to thank my parents. They put me on a plane, planned out every detail of the move over here, bought my furniture, encouraged me, called me every day (until they knew I was really okay), and supported me in more ways than I could imagine. Moving away from everything that felt familiar to me was completely out of my comfort zone and I never thought I would have the strength to do it. But they helped me recognize that this was a step I could handle. And their support from the very beginning has been absolutely remarkable. Although I haven't chosen the most ideal career for concerned parents, they recognized early on that this was something I loved and something I was good at. They came to all of those shows, driving me to rehearsals during tech week, listening to my stories after opening nights, understood my frustrations, and even let me continue into college. They were there every time I called home to expel frustrations or shine over a well done opening night. They even understood my pricey decision to stay at St. Mary's when it was clear that finances were going to be tight because St. Mary's was the only place where I could get the training I needed. They let me take jobs in the theatre over the summers and shared my enthusiasm when I found my perfect internship last year. They found a way to get me to grad school interviews when I thought it was impossible to do two on opposite sides of the country within a 3 day period. They were there when I made the decision as to which school to attend. They understood the craziness of my final days at St. Mary's. And they were there when I finally crossed that stage with my first degree--a day we had collectively worked towards. Who knew that this little girl who could hardly stand upright on a stage and didn't hold an ounce of leadership could turn into the person i am today but with their patience and guiding, it worked out quite nicely. This is only the beginning of what is hopefully a very fruitful and definitely rewarding career but my parents are the best for letting me have it.
My extended family has also been wonderful. I often say that I have the best family in the world and I truly believe it. My biological family and my extended family beyond bloodlines are just some of the most good hearted, kind, fun, lovely people I've ever met. Family gatherings are the most special time of the year for me. And since I made the decision to move I felt unconditional support from my aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone beyond. They came to all of those shows when I was younger, always asked the questions, always wanted to know what was coming up next. We are a large but close unit and I am so grateful for them. Thank you Tanner, Michael, Lisa, Steph, Alicia, Eli, Jonathan, Leah, Chris, Emily, Tom, Bailey, Alana, Cameron, Cary, Sam and the entire extended network of Jones family and friends. I'm awfully lucky. And I would do anything for them.
The Willows Theatre Company came into my life only a year ago but it has left a lasting
mark on my heart. One year ago, I stepped into the Willows Theatre in Concord for my first rehearsal of Chess. I didn't know what to expect; I only knew the director and managing director from a previous interview. I was nervous to be working in a professional atmosphere for the first time and to present my skills in front of a brand new set of artists. But from the first day I felt an all consuming sense of joy and belonging with this company. Eric and David told me in my interview that the Willows was like a family and I was skeptical, since it's a fairly common statement, but they weren't exaggerating. My love for them only grew in time and although my heart broke when it was announced that the company was closing, mere days before my final performance in August, I was comforted by the fact that our friendships existed well beyond those artistic walls. We were there for each other through good times and bad right up until the end and will continue to be there for each other. And we loved our jobs. I was welcomed into this amazing family and it's hard to really explain what it meant to me without this turning into a blog full of cliches. All I can say that I was one lucky girl to be able to go to work every day with some of my best friends. Thank you for accepting me for me, rather than what people expected me to be. And thank you for loving me. Thank you Eric, David, Sean, Danny, Nick, DJ, Reid, Jordan, Sara, Rachel, Bones, and Sophie. You will always have a special place in my heart.
I wouldn't be the stage manager I am today without my mentor, Linda. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life or even that theatre should be a larger part of my life until I started to train under her. She has gone above and beyond to make sure I understood my role in the theatre and my role in life. She was always confident of my abilities even when I wasn't sure if I could handle something. Having her in my life has been an incredible gift and one of main reasons I stayed at St. Mary's. She became not only my mentor but one of my very best friends. She trained me to be the best I can be and my job now is to build upon everything she taught me. She gave me an excellent foundation.
I have mentioned frequently how lucky I am. And I'm pretty sure I got the best deal when I ended up with my best friend, Danielle. With every adventure I undertake, she is there to lend support and some well needed feedback. I couldn't have accomplished half of what I have without her around. She was my trusty sidekick at St. Mary's, serving as my assistant stage manager and co-stage manager on our shows together and we worked effortlessly as a team. Working with someone who knows you that well and understands both you and the needs of the job is a huge blessing. I would have taken her to Yale with me if I could. But beyond that, she is an incredible friend. Even from 3,000 miles away our friendship remains the same. We still talk about the same stuff, still talk just as frequently. She is there to listen to all of my worries and to reassure me that yes, I will make friends and no, I won't fail. I hope everyone is as lucky I am when it comes to friends.
All of this comes down to that I would not be the person I am today or where I am today without this amazing circle of people. And there are countless others that I love dearly who support me from near and far. I am so proud to have these people in my life and cannot express enough thanks for what everyone has done for me. To everyone who has worked with me, gone to school with me, been my friend, or given me a smile or a hug, thank you. You have all touched my life in ways I cannot describe. Being here at Yale is a daily reminder of how far I have come and how lucky I am to have encountered such wonderful people along the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment